The Baroque Band period-instrument orchestra has established itself as an important part of Chicago’s classical music community. The combined concert with the Grinnell Singers will feature the “Dublin Messiah,” Handel’s rarely heard original of the iconic masterpiece which premiered in Ireland in 1742. The Baroque Band’s rendition of the Dublin version was recognized in 2009 as one of the “top five classical concerts.”

The Grinnell Singers, known for innovative and adventurous choral programming, have premiered more than 20 choral works in the past five years, directed by Professor of Music John Rommereim. Rommereim is active as a composer, singer, and scholar whose work is centered in the areas of Russian choral music and early music performance. Each year the choir presents concerts across the U.S. and has traveled to Estonia, Finland, Russia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey.

The free public concerts will be held Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 600 6th St., Des Moines, and Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. in Sebring-Lewis Hall, Bucksbaum Center for the Arts, Grinnell. Freewill donations will be accepted at the Des Moines concert; contact St. John's Lutheran Church, 515-243-7691, for ticket information.

Grinnell College is a nationally recognized, private, four year, liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa. Founded in 1846, Grinnell enrolls 1,600 students from all 50 states and from as many international countries in more than 26 major fields, interdisciplinary concentrations, and pre-professional programs.